The CMAT Merit List 2026 has been prepared based on the scores released by NTA on February 17, 2026. Over 100 AICTE-approved institutions are using CMAT 2026 scores to create their individual merit lists for MBA/PGDM admissions for the 2026-27 academic session.
- CMAT 2026 scores released: February 17, 2026 by NTA on the official website.
- Individual college merit lists: Each AICTE-approved institution creates its own merit list based on CMAT scores and internal criteria.
- Total candidates appeared: 41,872 out of 53,453 registered (78.33% attendance rate).
- Merit list basis: CMAT percentile, sectional scores, and institution-specific criteria like GD-PI performance.
- Participating institutions: 100+ AICTE-approved colleges including NIBM Pune, JBIMS, KJ Somaiya, SIMSREE, BIMTECH.
- No central merit list: Each college publishes its own merit list and cutoffs for MBA/PGDM admission.
- Counselling process: Ongoing at individual institutions based on their merit lists and admission schedules.
Students can check their eligibility for various colleges by comparing their CMAT percentile with institution-specific cutoffs. Each college announces its own admission timeline and merit list release dates.
| Download CMAT Merit List 2026 PDF Click Here |
|---|
Key Summary The CMAT Merit List 2026 refers to college-specific rank lists prepared by AICTE-approved institutions using CMAT scores and their admission criteria.
|
|---|
What is CMAT Merit List 2026?
The CMAT Merit List 2026 is not a single centralized list but refers to individual merit lists prepared by 100+ AICTE-approved institutions that accept CMAT scores for MBA/PGDM admissions. Each college creates its own merit list based on CMAT 2026 percentiles combined with their specific admission criteria such as Group Discussion (GD), Personal Interview (PI), academic background, and work experience.
NTA released the CMAT 2026 results on February 17, 2026, providing candidates with their sectional percentiles, overall percentiles, and All India Rank (AIR). Using these CMAT scores, participating institutions shortlist candidates for further admission rounds and prepare their merit lists accordingly.
Types of CMAT Merit List 2026
| Merit List Type | Description | Release Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Institution-wise Merit List | Each AICTE-approved college prepares its own merit list based on CMAT scores and internal criteria | Individual colleges/universities |
| Category-wise Merit List | Separate merit lists for General, OBC-NCL, EWS, SC, ST, and PwD categories | Individual institutions |
| State-wise Merit List | Some state universities create state-specific merit lists for domicile candidates | State universities |
| Round-wise Merit List | Multiple rounds of merit lists during the counselling process | Participating institutions |
CMAT Merit List Dates 2026
The timeline for CMAT Merit List 2026 varies across institutions since each college follows its own admission schedule. CMAT 2026 results were released on February 17, 2026, after which individual colleges began their counselling processes.
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| CMAT 2026 Exam | January 25, 2026 | Over |
| CMAT 2026 Result Declaration | February 17, 2026 | Over |
| Score Card Download | February 17, 2026 onwards | Available |
| Institution Merit Lists Release | March - July 2026 | Ongoing |
| Counselling & Admission Process | March - August 2026 | Ongoing |
| Classes Commencement | August - September 2026 | Upcoming |
State-wise CMAT Merit List 2026 PDF Download
CMAT-accepting institutions across different states publish their merit lists on respective college websites. Students need to visit individual college websites to download state-specific merit lists as there is no centralized merit list portal.
| State | Notable CMAT Accepting Colleges | Merit List Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra | JBIMS, KJ Somaiya, SIMSREE, PUMBA | Check individual college websites |
| Delhi/NCR | BIMTECH, IMT Ghaziabad, XIMR | Check individual college websites |
| Karnataka | IFIM, AIMS, BIM Bangalore | Check individual college websites |
| West Bengal | IIFT Kalyani, Techno India | Check individual college websites |
| Odisha | KIIT Business School, SOA University | Check individual college websites |
| Jharkhand | XISS Ranchi | Check individual college websites |
| Telangana | IMT Hyderabad, ICBM | Check individual college websites |
| Punjab | NIBM Pune (Punjab Campus) | Check individual college websites |
CMAT Cutoff 2026
CMAT 2026 cutoffs vary significantly across institutions as each college sets its own minimum percentile requirements. Top institutions typically require 90+ percentile while mid-tier colleges accept scores as low as 60-70 percentile.
| Category | Top Colleges (90+ %ile) | Good Colleges (80-90 %ile) | Average Colleges (60-80 %ile) |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | 95+ percentile | 85+ percentile | 65+ percentile |
| OBC-NCL | 90+ percentile | 80+ percentile | 60+ percentile |
| EWS | 92+ percentile | 82+ percentile | 62+ percentile |
| SC | 85+ percentile | 75+ percentile | 55+ percentile |
| ST | 80+ percentile | 70+ percentile | 50+ percentile |
| PwD | 75+ percentile | 65+ percentile | 45+ percentile |
How many marks required in CMAT 2026?
CMAT 2026 scores are reported in percentiles, not raw marks. The percentile indicates the percentage of candidates who scored below a particular score. For top colleges, students typically need 95+ percentile (equivalent to approximately 220+ marks out of 400).
CMAT Merit List 2025
The CMAT 2025 merit lists were released by participating institutions between March-July 2025. JBIMS had the highest cutoff at 99.5+ percentile while most AICTE-approved colleges accepted candidates with 60+ percentile.
| State | Top Colleges | Cutoff Range 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra | JBIMS, SIMSREE, KJ Somaiya | 95-99.5 percentile |
| Delhi NCR | BIMTECH, IMT Ghaziabad | 90-95 percentile |
| Karnataka | IFIM Bangalore | 85-90 percentile |
| Jharkhand | XISS Ranchi | 80-85 percentile |
| Telangana | IMT Hyderabad | 88-92 percentile |
CMAT Previous Year Merit List (2023—2025)
CMAT Merit List 2024
CMAT 2024 saw increased competition with 45,000+ candidates appearing for the exam. Top colleges maintained high cutoffs while mid-tier institutions became more accessible.
| College | 2024 Cutoff | 2023 Cutoff |
|---|---|---|
| JBIMS Mumbai | 99.2+ percentile | 99.0+ percentile |
| SIMSREE Mumbai | 96.5+ percentile | 96.0+ percentile |
| KJ Somaiya | 95.0+ percentile | 94.5+ percentile |
| BIMTECH | 88.0+ percentile | 87.5+ percentile |
| XISS Ranchi | 82.0+ percentile | 80.0+ percentile |
CMAT Merit List 2023
The 2023 admission cycle saw moderate cutoffs due to the post-pandemic normalization in management education demand.
CMAT Good Score 2026
- Excellent Score (95+ percentile): Opens doors to top institutions like JBIMS, SIMSREE, KJ Somaiya with strong placement records.
- Good Score (80-95 percentile): Provides access to reputed colleges like BIMTECH, IMT Ghaziabad, XISS Ranchi with decent placement opportunities.
- Average Score (60-80 percentile): Qualifies for admission to numerous AICTE-approved colleges with moderate placement records.
- Below Average (Below 60 percentile): Limited options available, mainly newer or less established institutions.
"I scored 92 percentile in CMAT 2026 and got admission to BIMTECH. The score opened multiple options for me across Delhi NCR colleges." - Student feedback
"With 85 percentile, I was able to secure admission in a good AICTE-approved college in Bangalore with decent placement opportunities." - Student feedback
Is CMAT score a good score?
A CMAT score is considered good based on your target institutions and career goals. Since 100+ AICTE-approved institutions accept CMAT scores, even moderate percentiles can secure admission to recognized MBA programs.
Admission Possibilities
| Percentile Range | College Category | Admission Chances |
|---|---|---|
| 95+ percentile | Top tier (JBIMS, SIMSREE, KJ Somaiya) | Excellent - High probability with good GD-PI |
| 85-95 percentile | Good tier (BIMTECH, IMT, XISS) | Very Good - Strong chances with decent interview |
| 75-85 percentile | Mid tier AICTE institutions | Good - Multiple options available |
| 60-75 percentile | Average AICTE approved colleges | Moderate - Several admission opportunities |
| Below 60 percentile | Lower tier institutions | Limited - Fewer but available options |
CMAT Marks vs Rank 2026
CMAT 2026 ranks are determined by percentiles rather than raw marks. The ranking system considers sectional performance across Quantitative Techniques, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, and General Awareness.
- Top 1% ranks (1-400): Usually require 98+ percentile with balanced sectional scores
- Top 5% ranks (1-2000): Achievable with 90+ percentile and good sectional balance
- Top 10% ranks (1-4000): Possible with 85+ percentile across all sections
- Top 25% ranks (1-10000): Attainable with 75+ percentile and decent sectional scores
| Approximate Marks | Percentile Range | Expected Rank Range |
|---|---|---|
| 240+ out of 400 | 98+ percentile | 1-800 |
| 220-240 out of 400 | 95-98 percentile | 800-2100 |
| 200-220 out of 400 | 90-95 percentile | 2100-4200 |
| 180-200 out of 400 | 80-90 percentile | 4200-8400 |
| 160-180 out of 400 | 70-80 percentile | 8400-12600 |
| 140-160 out of 400 | 60-70 percentile | 12600-16800 |
FAQs
Ques: How to check CMAT Merit List 2026?
Ans: There is no central CMAT merit list. Students need to check individual college websites for institution-specific merit lists. Download your CMAT scorecard from cmat.nta.nic.in and apply to colleges accepting CMAT scores. Each college will release its own merit list based on CMAT scores and internal criteria.
Ques: When will CMAT Merit List 2026 be released?
Ans: CMAT results were released on February 17, 2026. Individual colleges release their merit lists between March-July 2026 based on their admission schedules. Students should regularly check the websites of colleges they have applied to for merit list updates.
Ques: What is the difference between CMAT Result and Merit List?
Ans: CMAT Result shows your scores, percentiles and AIR released by NTA. Merit List is prepared by individual colleges using CMAT scores along with their admission criteria like GD-PI performance, academic background, and work experience to rank candidates for admission.
Ques: How many colleges accept CMAT scores in 2026?
Ans: 100+ AICTE-approved institutions and university departments accept CMAT scores for MBA/PGDM admissions. These include top colleges like JBIMS, SIMSREE, KJ Somaiya, BIMTECH, IMT Ghaziabad, XISS Ranchi, and many others across India.
Ques: What is the tie-breaking policy for CMAT Merit List 2026?
Ans: Tie-breaking policies vary by institution. Common criteria include:
| Priority Level | Tie-Breaking Criteria |
|---|---|
| 1st | Higher sectional percentile in Quantitative Techniques |
| 2nd | Higher sectional percentile in Logical Reasoning |
| 3rd | Higher sectional percentile in Language Comprehension |
| 4th | Date of birth (older candidate preferred) |
| 5th | Academic background and work experience |
Ques: Can I get admission with 70 percentile in CMAT 2026?
Ans: Yes, 70 percentile in CMAT 2026 can secure admission to numerous AICTE-approved colleges. While top-tier institutions require 90+ percentile, many good colleges accept candidates with 70+ percentile, especially in reserved categories or with strong GD-PI performance.
Ques: Is there any state-wise merit list for CMAT 2026?
Ans: Some state universities and institutions create state-specific merit lists giving preference to domicile candidates. However, most private AICTE-approved colleges follow a national merit-based selection without state-wise reservation. Check with individual colleges for their specific policies.
Ques: How to download CMAT 2026 scorecard for merit list verification?
Ans: Visit cmat.nta.nic.in, click on "Download Scorecard", enter your application number and password. Your scorecard shows sectional percentiles, overall percentile, and All India Rank required for merit list verification at colleges.
Ques: What documents are required for CMAT merit list counselling?
Ans: Required documents typically include CMAT 2026 scorecard, 10th and 12th mark sheets, graduation degree and mark sheets, category certificate (if applicable), work experience certificates, passport-size photographs, and ID proof. Specific requirements may vary by institution.
Ques: Can I appear in multiple college counsellings with CMAT 2026 score?
Ans: Yes, you can participate in counselling processes of multiple AICTE-approved colleges using your CMAT 2026 score. Each college has its own admission process and merit list, so apply to multiple institutions to maximize your chances of securing admission in a preferred college.
Disclaimer: The information provided is based on available data and may vary across institutions. Students are advised to visit official college websites and NTA CMAT portal for the most accurate and updated information regarding merit lists and admission processes.
Comments